Religion and Healthcare – Roman Catholic Church

The following answers were compiled with information from Father Philip Hart, CSP of the Paulist Fathers (a North American order of Catholic priests.)

Q: What is the Roman Catholic Church's philosophy concerning health and well-being?

A: Catholics believe that there is a delicate balance between art and science in the practice of medicine and healthcare. There needs to be a holistic approach where body, mind, and spirit are considered in care giving. Many disciplines may be involved in the wellness of the patient, including that of physicians, nurses, pastoral care, social services, and a hospice.

There are five main elements that need to be considered in making healthcare decisions. These decisions need to be made by the patient or an appropriate surrogate. Properly understood, a decision to withhold or withdraw treatment has the same moral value. Other required elements are full and accurate medical information, weighing the benefits and burdens of treatment or non-treatment, knowing patient preference, and quality of life.

Q: Does the Roman Catholic Church have a history of traditional or herbal medicine?

A: Since Catholicism has been one of the founding religions in Western medicine, most North American hospitals are in line with the Catholic belief system.

Q: What is your religion's position on the following?

A: Birth Control: The Catholic Church finds tubal ligation and sterilization unacceptable. Medications for birth control should not be used. However, it is considered acceptable for a woman to take a birth control pill for another physical ailment, if her intent is not to use it as birth control.

Abortion: Abortion is not allowed. The "double effect" is acceptable: undergoing a medical procedure for a different purpose, which results in the loss of a fetus. But even if a woman's life is threatened by her pregnancy, aborting the fetus is not justifiable.

Q: What should a healthcare professional know about a Roman Catholic's view of death?

A: Catholics believe that there are limits to physical treatment. Withdrawing treatment has the same moral value as providing treatment. If it has been shown that there is no benefit to continuing treatment, then it should not be continued.

The Sacrament of Anointing the Sick is a ritual, in which a prayer is said for the patient, for those who are close to the patient, and for the healthcare providers. The purpose of this sacrament is not for physical healing but for mental and spiritual healing.

Background on the Roman Catholic Church The core philosophy of the Roman Catholic Church revolves around the belief that humans are created in the image and likeness of God. However, this image was tarnished by the "original sin" of Adam and Eve. Catholic belief maintains that Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again to restore our image and standing with God. This restoration is celebrated by Catholics in a special way through its seven sacraments. The sacraments of the Anointing of the Sick and the Eucharist have a special place in ministry to the sick and elderly. It is believed that through the proclamation of God's word, the invocation of God's Spirit, and the faith of the people, the power and comfort of the Lord are made present to those in the throes of illness. For more information see the Catholic Health Association of the United States, the Canadian Catholic Health Association, and The Vatican.

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